Archives

Rest in Peace Opal

Posted by: tdt -

By TAMMI KATE LEDFORD

“The horrible smell of feces started at the porch and continued throughout the entire house,” explained Jena McFall, Executive Director of the Amarillo-Panhandle Humane Society (APHS). “I really want to talk about the Boxer-Shar pei mix,” McFall was adamant about the maltreatment and the demise of the sweet dog the Citizens Against Animal Abuse in Dalhart has adopted as their icon. “Opal sat between us (Alicia McGee, animal cruelty investigator for APHS) in the front seat,” described McFall. Opal realized her salvation had come, “She was all used up,” added McFall, “She laid her head on my lap all the way to Amarillo and ate kitty treats.” Opal had cuts all over her legs that had never been treated and had become infected and septic. McFall suspected some of the wounds were bite marks. In addition, McFall suspected that Opal had a gun shot wound. Opal’s veterinary report wasn’t good, “They rated her 1.25,” McFall explained on a scale of 1 to 5, 1 emaciated and 5 obese. “We (APHS staff) visited with her every day and fed her treats,” McFall recalled her passion for Opal, “She was the one that stuck to us.” Opal had infection throughout her entire body, one morning she was found with a spot on her neck that had erupted with puss, McFall articulated. “Opal didn’t have a chance; she steadily declined from the 1.25 status every day.” Opal was euthanized and laid to rest on Tuesday, January 22, 2013. McFall and her staff tried to get Opal accepted into a Boxer Rescue and they would not accept her because she was too ill.

For the full story SUBSCRIBE to the online edition of The Dalhart Texan, call 244-4511 to setup a subscription to our physical paper or pick a copy up at one of our many convenient newsrack locations. You can also stop by and purchase a paper or subscription in person at our news office located at 410 Denrock Ave.